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Abstract:

A display apparatus including and a display unit are provided. The
display apparatus includes an image processing unit processing an image
signal received from an image source according to a preset image
processing process in order to display the image on the display unit; a
connection unit connected to an upgrade apparatus provided to upgrade the
image processing process; a storage unit storing operating time
information and displaying the information on the display unit; and a
controller displaying a menu image on the display unit, the menu image
being provided to adjust at least one preset item associated with quality
of the image displayed on the display unit, and transmitting the
operating time information on the display unit to the upgrade apparatus
to change a set value of the item of the menu image corresponding to the
operating time information on the display unit stored in the storage
unit.

Claims:

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display; an image processor which
processes an image signal received from an image source according to a
preset image processing process in order to display the image; a
connection unit connected to an upgrade apparatus which upgrades the
image processing process; a storage unit which stores operating time
information; and a controller which displays a menu image on the display,
the menu image being provided to adjust at least one preset item
associated with the quality of the displayed image, and the controller
transmitting the operating time information to the upgrade apparatus so
as to change a set value of the item of the menu image which corresponds
to the operating time information on the display unit to enhance the
image through the upgrade apparatus.

2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a
liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and the operating time information on
the display comprises information relating to usage time of the panel.

3. The display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller updates in
the storage unit the operating time information displayed on the display
stored with the passing of the usage time of the panel.

4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the
display to display a comparison image in order to compare the quality of
an image before the change of the set value of the item and the quality
of an image after change of the set value of the item.

5. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller determines
whether to change the set value of the item based on a selection input
relating to the comparison image.

6. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the item of the menu image
comprises at least one of brightness, noise, sharpness, a gray scale of a
low grayscale area, contrast, color, gamma, and white color temperature.

7. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upgrade apparatus
performs a second process which corresponds to a first process which is
at least part of the image processing process, and the controller
controls the second process to be performed through the upgrade
apparatus, instead of the first process by the image processor, when the
upgrade apparatus is connected to the connection unit.

8. An upgrade apparatus for a display apparatus comprising: a connection
unit connected to the display apparatus which processes an image signal
received from an image source according to a preset image processing
process in order to display an image; an image processor which processes
the image signal with the upgraded image processing process when the
display apparatus is connected to the connection unit; and a controller
displaying a menu image on the display apparatus when upgrading the
display apparatus connected to the connection unit, the menu image being
provided to adjust at least one preset item associated with quality of
the image displayed on a display of the display apparatus, and changing
and displaying a set value of the item of the menu image which
corresponds to operating time information on the display, when the
operating time information on the display is received from the display
apparatus.

9. The upgrade apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display comprises a
liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and the operating time information on
the display comprises information relating to usage time of the panel.

10. The upgrade apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller controls the
display apparatus to display a comparison image to compare the quality of
an image before change of the set value of the item and the quality of an
image after change of the set value of the item.

11. The upgrade apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller determines
whether to change the set value of the item based on a selection input
relating to the comparison image.

12. The upgrade apparatus of claim 8, wherein the item of the menu image
comprises at least one of brightness, noise, sharpness, a gray scale of a
low grayscale area, contrast, color, gamma, and white color temperature.

13. The upgrade apparatus of claim 8, wherein the image processor
performs a second process which corresponds to a first process which is
at least part of the image processing process, and the controller
controls the second process to be performed on the display apparatus by
the image processor instead of the first process, when the display
apparatus is connected to the connection unit.

14. A method of controlling a display apparatus, comprising a display and
an image processor which processing an image signal received from an
image source according to a preset image processing process in order to
display an image on the display, the method of controlling the display
apparatus comprising: connecting to the display apparatus an upgrade
apparatus which is provided to upgrade the image processing process;
determining operating time information relating to an image on the
display; and transmitting the operating time information on the display
to the upgrade apparatus so as to change a set value of at least one
preset item of a menu image which corresponds to the operating time
information on the display to upgrade, through the upgrade apparatus, the
menu image being provided in order to adjust the preset item associated
with quality of the image displayed on the display.

15. A method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display apparatus,
the method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display apparatus
comprising: providing to the display apparatus an image signal received
from an image source which processes an image signal according to a
preset image processing process, in order to display the image signal;
receiving from the display apparatus operating time information which
relates to a display of the display apparatus; and displaying and
changing a set value of at least one preset item of a menu image which
corresponds to the operating time information on the display when
upgrading the image processing process of the display apparatus, the menu
image being provided to adjust the item associated with the quality of
the image displayed on the display.

16. A display system comprising: a display apparatus comprising a display
and an image processor which processes an image signal received from an
image source according to a preset image processing process, in order to
display an image on the display; and an upgrade apparatus connected to
the display apparatus to upgrade the image processing process and for
processing the image signal according to the upgrade image processing
process, wherein a set value of at least one preset item of a menu image
is displayed and changed according to operating time information on the
display unit in upgrading the display apparatus by the upgrade apparatus,
the menu image being provided to adjust the item associated with the
quality of the image displayed on the display.

17. A display apparatus comprising: a display; an image processor which
processes an image signal received from an image source according to a
preset image processing process in order to display an image on the
display; a connection unit to which an upgrade apparatus provided to
upgrade the image processing is connected; a camera which captures
surroundings of the display apparatus; and a controller which transmits
an image captured by the camera to the upgrade apparatus; wherein the
upgrade apparatus analyzes the surroundings of the display apparatus
based on the captured image and adjusts the image processing process
based on analysis information on the surroundings of the display
apparatus received from the upgrade apparatus.

18. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein the analysis information
comprises at least one of a RGB ratio, a histogram, and brightness of the
captured image.

19. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein the adjustment of the
image processing process comprises adjustment of at least one of
brightness, light and shade, color density, definition, and a color level
of the image displayed on the display.

20. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein when ambient light of the
surroundings is determined from the analysis information to be relatively
bright, the controller increases the brightness of the image displayed on
the display.

21. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein the upgrade apparatus
performs a second process which corresponds to a first process which is
at least part of the image processing process, and the controller
controls the second process to be performed by the upgrade apparatus,
instead of the first process by the image processor, when the upgrade
apparatus is connected to the connection unit.

22. An upgrade apparatus of a display apparatus comprising: a connection
unit connected to the display apparatus which processes an image signal
received from an image source according to a preset image processing
process in order to display an image; an image processor which processes
the image signal with the upgraded image processing process when the
display apparatus is connected to the connection unit; and a controller
which analyzes surroundings of the display apparatus based on an image
captured by a camera of the display apparatus when receiving the captured
image through the connection unit, and controlling the image processing
process to be adjusted based on analysis information relating to the
surroundings.

23. The upgrade apparatus of claim 22, wherein the analysis information
comprises at least one of a RGB ratio, a histogram, and brightness of the
captured image.

24. The upgrade apparatus of claim 22, wherein the adjustment of the
image processing process comprises adjustment of at least one of
brightness, light and shade, color density, definition, and a color level
of the image displayed on the display apparatus.

25. The upgrade apparatus of claim 22, wherein when ambient light of the
surroundings is determined to be relatively bright from the analysis
information, the controller increases the brightness of the image
displayed on the display apparatus.

26. The upgrade apparatus of claim 22, wherein the image processor
performs a second process which corresponds to a first process which is
at least part of the image processing process, and the controller
controls the second process to be performed by the image processor,
instead of the first process by the display, when the display is
connected to the connection unit.

27. A method of controlling a display apparatus comprising a display and
an image processor which processes an image signal received from an image
source according to a preset image processing process in order to display
an image on the display, the method of controlling a display apparatus
comprising: connecting an upgrade apparatus provided to upgrade the image
processing process to the display; capturing an image of surroundings of
the display and transmitting the captured image to the upgrade apparatus
so that the upgrade apparatus analyzes the surroundings of the display
based on the captured image; and adjusting the image processing process
based on analysis information on the surroundings of the display received
from the upgrade apparatus.

28. A method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display, the method
of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display comprising: processing
an image signal received from an image source according to a preset image
processing process and providing the processed image to the display in
order to display the processed image; receiving from the display an image
captured by a camera of the display; and analyzing surroundings of the
display based on the received image and adjusting the image processing
process based on analysis information relating to the surroundings.

29. A display system comprising: a display apparatus comprising a
display, an image processor which processes an image signal received from
an image source according to a preset image processing process in order
to display an image on the display, a camera capturing an image of the
surroundings; and an upgrade apparatus connected to the display to
upgrade the image processing process; wherein the upgrade apparatus
processes the image signal according to the upgraded image processing
process, wherein a captured image captured by the camera is transmitted
from the display to the upgrade apparatus so that the upgrade apparatus
analyzes the surroundings of the display based on the captured image, and
the image processing process is adjusted based on analysis information
relating to the surroundings of the display by the upgrade apparatus.

30. A display system for providing enhanced processing capabilities to a
display apparatus, comprising: a display apparatus comprising a display
and an image processor which processes an image signal received from an
image source, and an upgrade apparatus connected to the display apparatus
to upgrade image processing processes, wherein a set value of a menu
image is displayed and changed according to operating time information to
change the processed image, the menu image being provided to adjust an
item associated with the quality of the image displayed on the display.

31. The display system of claim 30, wherein the received image is
processed according to a preset image processing process, in order to
display the image on the display of the display apparatus.

32. The display system of claim 30, wherein the upgrade apparatus
controls the display in order to display a comparison image to compare
the quality of an image before the change of the set value of the item
and the quality of an image after change of the set value of the item.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priorities from Korean Patent Applications
No. 10-2011-0144953, filed on Dec. 28, 2011, No. 10-2011-0147341, filed
on Dec. 30, 2011 and No. 10-2012-0036579, filed on Apr. 9, 2012 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] Methods and apparatuses consistent with the exemplary embodiments
relate to a display apparatus which processes an image signal provided
from an image source according to a preset image processing process in
order to display an image; an upgrade apparatus upgrading the display
apparatus; a display system including the display apparatus and the
upgrade apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. More
particularly, the exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus of
which an existing operation is upgraded as an upgrade apparatus is
connected to the display apparatus, an upgrade apparatus, a display
system, and a method of controlling the same.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A display apparatus is a device which processes image signals/image
data transmitted from various external image sources and autonomously
stored in order to present images on its own display panel. Available
display apparatuses for general users may include a TV and a monitor. For
example, a display apparatus implemented as a TV processes broadcast
signals transmitted from the outside according to various types of image
processing, e.g., decoding and scaling, in order to offer images of
broadcast channels desired by users.

[0006] The display apparatus has an embedded image processing board
configured as a circuit which includes various kinds of chip sets and a
memory to conduct such image processing. However, in view of various
factors, such as technology development and diverse demands of users, as
well as improvement in convenience to users, there is increasingly
required a display apparatus having advanced capability. The functions of
the display apparatus can be improved and upgraded in terms of hardware
and software.

[0007] To upgrade the hardware of the display apparatus, the whole or at
least part of the image processing board embedded in the display
apparatus may need replacing, which is not easy in view of manufacture
and use. Also, to run advanced software, hardware should be designed
which corresponds to the software. In the end, a user may need to
purchase a new upgraded display apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, one or more exemplary embodiments provide a display
apparatus including a display; an image processor which processes an
image signal received from an image source according to a preset image
processing process in order to display the image; a connection unit
connected to an upgrade apparatus which upgrades the image processing
process; a storage unit which stores operating time information; and a
controller which displays a menu image on the display, the menu image
being provided to adjust at least one preset item associated with the
quality of the displayed image, and the controller transmitting the
operating time information to the upgrade apparatus so as to change a set
value of the item of the menu image which corresponds to the operating
time information on the display unit to enhance the image through the
upgrade apparatus.

[0009] The display may further include a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel and the operating time information on the display comprises
information relating to usage time of the panel.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller updates in the storage
unit the operating time information displayed on the display stored with
the passing of the usage time of the panel.

[0011] The controller controls the display to display a comparison image
in order to compare the quality of an image before the change of the set
value of the item and the quality of an image after change of the set
value of the item. In addition, the controller determines whether to
change the set value of the item based on a selection input relating to
the comparison image.

[0012] The item of the menu image comprises at least one of brightness,
noise, sharpness, a gray scale of a low grayscale area, contrast, color,
gamma, and white color temperature.

[0013] The upgrade apparatus performs a second process which corresponds
to a first process which is at least part of the image processing
process, and the controller controls the second process to be performed
through the upgrade apparatus, instead of the first process by the image
processor, when the upgrade apparatus is connected to the connection
unit.

[0014] An exemplary embodiment may include an upgrade apparatus for a
display apparatus having a connection unit connected to the display
apparatus which processes an image signal received from an image source
according to a preset image processing process in order to display an
image; an image processor which processes the image signal with the
upgraded image processing process when the display apparatus is connected
to the connection unit; and a controller displaying a menu image on the
display apparatus when upgrading the display apparatus connected to the
connection unit, the menu image being provided to adjust at least one
preset item associated with quality of the image displayed on a display
of the display apparatus, and changing and displaying a set value of the
item of the menu image which corresponds to operating time information on
the display, when the operating time information on the display is
received from the display apparatus.

[0015] The display comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and the
operating time information on the display comprises information relating
to usage time of the panel.

[0016] The controller controls the display apparatus to display a
comparison image to compare the quality of an image before change of the
set value of the item and the quality of an image after change of the set
value of the item. The controller determines whether to change the set
value of the item based on a selection input relating to the comparison
image.

[0017] The item of the menu image comprises at least one of brightness,
noise, sharpness, a gray scale of a low grayscale area, contrast, color,
gamma, and white color temperature.

[0018] The image processor performs a second process which corresponds to
a first process which is at least part of the image processing process,
and the controller controls the second process to be performed on the
display apparatus by the image processor instead of the first process,
when the display apparatus is connected to the connection unit.

[0019] An exemplary embodiment may include a method of controlling a
display apparatus, comprising a display and an image processor which
processing an image signal received from an image source according to a
preset image processing process in order to display an image on the
display, the method of controlling the display apparatus including:
connecting to the display apparatus an upgrade apparatus which is
provided to upgrade the image processing process; determining operating
time information relating to an image on the display; and transmitting
the operating time information on the display to the upgrade apparatus so
as to change a set value of at least one preset item of a menu image
which corresponds to the operating time information on the display to
upgrade, through the upgrade apparatus, the menu image being provided in
order to adjust the preset item associated with quality of the image
displayed on the display.

[0020] A method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display
apparatus, the method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display
apparatus may include: providing to the display apparatus an image signal
received from an image source which processes an image signal according
to a preset image processing process, in order to display the image
signal receiving from the display apparatus operating time information
which relates to a display of the display apparatus; and displaying and
changing a set value of at least one preset item of a menu image which
corresponds to the operating time information on the display when
upgrading the image processing process of the display apparatus, the menu
image being provided to adjust the item associated with the quality of
the image displayed on the display.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment may include display system having a display
apparatus comprising a display and an image processor which processes an
image signal received from an image source according to a preset image
processing process, in order to display an image on the display; and an
upgrade apparatus connected to the display apparatus to upgrade the image
processing process and for processing the image signal according to the
upgrade image processing process, wherein a set value of at least one
preset item of a menu image is displayed and changed according to
operating time information on the display unit in upgrading the display
apparatus by the upgrade apparatus, the menu image being provided to
adjust the item associated with the quality of the image displayed on the
display.

[0022] A display apparatus may include: a display; an image processor
which processes an image signal received from an image source according
to a preset image processing process in order to display an image on the
display; a connection unit to which an upgrade apparatus provided to
upgrade the image processing is connected; a camera which captures
surroundings of the display apparatus; and a controller which transmits
an image captured by the camera to the upgrade apparatus; wherein the
upgrade apparatus analyzes the surroundings of the display apparatus
based on the captured image and adjusts the image processing process
based on analysis information on the surroundings of the display
apparatus received from the upgrade apparatus.

[0023] The analysis information may include at least one of a RGB ratio, a
histogram, and brightness of the captured image.

[0024] The adjustment of the image processing process includes adjustment
of at least one of brightness, light and shade, color density,
definition, and a color level of the image displayed on the display.

[0025] When ambient light of the surroundings is determined from the
analysis information to be relatively bright, the controller increases
the brightness of the image displayed on the display.

[0026] The upgrade apparatus performs a second process which corresponds
to a first process which is at least part of the image processing
process, and the controller controls the second process to be performed
by the upgrade apparatus, instead of the first process by the image
processor, when the upgrade apparatus is connected to the connection
unit.

[0027] An upgrade apparatus of a display apparatus may include: a
connection unit connected to the display apparatus which processes an
image signal received from an image source according to a preset image
processing process in order to display an image; an image processor which
processes the image signal with the upgraded image processing process
when the display apparatus is connected to the connection unit; and a
controller which analyzes surroundings of the display apparatus based on
an image captured by a camera of the display apparatus when receiving the
captured image through the connection unit, and controlling the image
processing process to be adjusted based on analysis information relating
to the surroundings.

[0028] The analysis information includes at least one of a RGB ratio, a
histogram, and brightness of the captured image.

[0029] The adjustment of the image processing process includes adjustment
of at least one of brightness, light and shade, color density,
definition, and a color level of the image displayed on the display
apparatus.

[0030] When ambient light of the surroundings is determined to be
relatively bright from the analysis information, the controller increases
the brightness of the image displayed on the display apparatus.

[0031] The image processor performs a second process which corresponds to
a first process which is at least part of the image processing process,
and the controller controls the second process to be performed by the
image processor, instead of the first process by the display, when the
display is connected to the connection unit.

[0032] A method of controlling a display apparatus includes a display and
an image processor which processes an image signal received from an image
source according to a preset image processing process in order to display
an image on the display, the method of controlling a display apparatus
including: connecting an upgrade apparatus provided to upgrade the image
processing process to the display; capturing an image of surroundings of
the display and transmitting the captured image to the upgrade apparatus
so that the upgrade apparatus analyzes the surroundings of the display
based on the captured image; and adjusting the image processing process
based on analysis information on the surroundings of the display received
from the upgrade apparatus.

[0033] A method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display, the
method of controlling an upgrade apparatus of a display includes:
processing an image signal received from an image source according to a
preset image processing process and providing the processed image to the
display in order to display the processed image; receiving from the
display an image captured by a camera of the display; and analyzing
surroundings of the display based on the received image and adjusting the
image processing process based on analysis information relating to the
surroundings.

[0034] A display system includes: a display apparatus including a display,
an image processor which processes an image signal received from an image
source according to a preset image processing process in order to display
an image on the display, a camera capturing an image of the surroundings;
and an upgrade apparatus connected to the display to upgrade the image
processing process; wherein the upgrade apparatus processes the image
signal according to the upgraded image processing process, wherein a
captured image captured by the camera is transmitted from the display to
the upgrade apparatus so that the upgrade apparatus analyzes the
surroundings of the display based on the captured image, and the image
processing process is adjusted based on analysis information relating to
the surroundings of the display by the upgrade apparatus.

[0035] An exemplary embodiment may further include a display system for
providing enhanced processing capabilities to a display apparatus,
including: a display apparatus comprising a display and an image
processor which processes an image signal received from an image source,
and an upgrade apparatus connected to the display apparatus to upgrade
image processing processes, wherein a set value of a menu image is
displayed and changed according to operating time information to change
the processed image, the menu image being provided to adjust an item
associated with the quality of the image displayed on the display.

[0036] The received image is processed according to a preset image
processing process, in order to display the image on the display of the
display apparatus.

[0037] The upgrade apparatus controls the display in order to display a
comparison image to compare the quality of an image before the change of
the set value of the item and the quality of an image after change of the
set value of the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above and/or other aspects of the inventive concept will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of
the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:

[0039]FIG. 1 illustrates a display system according to a first exemplary
embodiment.

[0040]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the
display system of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a method of an upgrade apparatus upgrading
an image processing process of a display apparatus in the display system
of FIG. 1.

[0042]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating image
quality adjustment software of the display apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of upgrading the
display apparatus with the upgrade apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0044]FIG. 7 illustrates a display apparatus according to a second
exemplary embodiment.

[0045]FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a display
module and a signal processing module of FIG. 7.

[0046]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of upgrading or
replacing the signal processing module of the display apparatus of FIG.
8.

[0047]FIG. 10 illustrates a display apparatus according to a third
exemplary embodiment.

[0048]FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the
display apparatus of FIG. 10.

[0049]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the
upgrade apparatus of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to accompanying drawings so as to be easily understood by a
person having ordinary knowledge in the art. The exemplary embodiments
may be embodied in various forms without being limited to the exemplary
embodiments set forth herein. Descriptions of well-known parts are
omitted for clarity and conciseness, and like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.

[0051]FIG. 1 illustrates a display system 1 according to a first
exemplary embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 1 according to an exemplary
embodiment includes a display apparatus 100 which processes an image
signal provided from an external image source (not shown) according to a
preset image processing process and displaying an image based on the
image signal and an upgrade apparatus 200 which is for upgrading
hardware/software of the display apparatus 100.

[0053] In the system 1 of the exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus
100 is configured as a TV which displays broadcast images based on
broadcast signals/broadcast information/broadcast data received from a
transmitter of a broadcast station. However, the display apparatus 100
may be configured as various types of devices which are capable of
displaying images, without being limited to a TV.

[0054] The display apparatus 100 may display any image, without being
limited to broadcast images. For example, the display apparatus 100 may
display images, such as videos, still images, applications, on-screen
display (OSD) based on signals/data received from various types of image
sources (not shown), and graphic user interface (GUI) for controlling
various operations.

[0055] The upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the display apparatus 100
for communication therewith. The upgrade apparatus 200 upgrades existing
hardware/software of the connected display apparatus 100 and enables an
image signal to be processed by the upgraded hardware/software of the
display apparatus 100, thereby displaying an image with improved quality.

[0056] The upgrade apparatus 200 may be connected to the display apparatus
100 via a cable or may be connected wirelessly. In the exemplary
embodiment, the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the display
apparatus 100 via a cable, thereby enabling transmission and reception of
data/information/signals/power between the upgrade apparatus 200 and the
display apparatus 100. The display apparatus 100 and the upgrade
apparatus 200 respectively include connectors/terminals 110 and 210 for
physical/electrical connection to each other.

[0057] Alternatively, the upgrade apparatus 200 may be wirelessly
connected to the display apparatus 100. In this case, the upgrade
apparatus 200 is supplied with operating power from a separate external
power source or battery. However, the exemplary embodiment is described
with reference to a case where the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to
the display apparatus 100 via a cable.

[0058] The display apparatus 100 may solely process an image signal
received from the outside according to a preset image processing process
and may display an image based on the image signal. In the exemplary
embodiment, however, as the display apparatus 100 and the upgrade
apparatus 200 are connected, hardware/software of the display system 1
performing the image processing process is upgraded, thereby providing a
user with an image with relatively improved quality.

[0059] Hereinafter, configurations of the display apparatus 100 and the
upgrade apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2
is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of the display
apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus 200 which constitutes display
system 1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the display apparatus 100 includes a first
connection unit 110 to which at least one image source 300 is connected;
a first image processing unit 120 which processes an image signal
received from the image source 300 through the first connection unit 110;
a display unit 130 which displays an image based on an image signal
processed by the first image processing unit 120; a user input unit 140
which outputs a preset command according to manipulation by a user; a
first storage unit 150 which stores unlimited data/information, and a
first controller 160 which generally controls operations of components of
the display apparatus 100.

[0061] The first connection unit 110 transmits an image signal received
from the at least one image source 300 to the first image processing unit
120 and is configured as various types which correspond to standards of
received image signals or types of the image source 300 and the display
apparatus 100. For example, the first connection unit 110 may receive
signals/data in accordance with the high definition multimedia interface
(HDMI), USB, and component standards and include a plurality of
connection terminals (not shown) which correspond to the respective
standards. Various external devices including the image source 300 may be
connected to the connection terminals, thus enabling communication via
the first connection unit 110.

[0062] That is, any external device capable of transmitting and receiving
signals/data to and from the display apparatus 100 through the first
connection unit 110 may be connected to the first connection unit 110,
without being limited to the image source 300. In the exemplary
embodiment, the upgrade apparatus 200 may be connected to the first
connection unit 110.

[0063] An external device may be connected to the first connection unit
110 in any mode among a local mode or a network mode. In the exemplary
embodiment, the first connection unit 110 is connected to a preset
communication protocol-based network for communication therewith,
enabling two-way communication with a server 310 through the network.

[0064] The first image processing unit 120 performs various preset image
processing processes on an image signal received from the first
connection unit 110. The first image processing unit 120 outputs a
processed image signal to the display unit 130, so that an image based on
the image signal is displayed on the display unit 130.

[0065] The first image processing unit 120 may perform any type of image
processing, without being limited to, for example, demultiplexing to
separate a signal into characteristic signals, decoding which corresponds
to an image format of an image signal, de-interlacing to convert an
interlaced image signal into a progressive form, scaling to adjust an
image signal to a preset resolution, noise reduction to improve image
quality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, or the like.

[0066] The first image processing unit 120 may be provided as an image
processing board (not shown) in which a circuit system including various
chip sets (not shown) to conduct such processes, a memory (not shown),
electronic components (not shown) and wiring (not shown), is mounted on a
printed circuit board (PCB, not shown).

[0067] The display unit 130 displays an image based on an image signal
output from the first image processing unit 120. The display unit 130 may
be configured in various display types using liquid crystals, plasma,
light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, a surface
conduction electron emitter, a carbon nano-tube, nano-crystals, or the
like, without being limited thereto.

[0068] The display unit 130 may further include an additional element
depending on a display mode thereof. For example, in a display mode using
liquid crystals, the display unit 130 may include a liquid crystal
display (LCD) panel, a backlight unit (not shown) which provides light to
the panel, and a panel drive board (not shown) which drives the panel.

[0069] The user input unit 140 transmits various preset control commands
or unlimited information to the first controller 160 through user
manipulation and input to a user input unit 140. The user input unit 140
may be provided as a menu key and an input panel may be installed on an
outside of the display apparatus 100 or as a remote controller, separate
from the display apparatus 100.

[0070] Alternatively, the user input unit 140 may be configured as a
single body with the display unit 130. That is, in response to the
display unit 130 is a touch screen, a user may transmit a preset command
to the first controller 160 through an input menu (not shown) displayed
on the display unit 130.

[0071] The first storage unit 150 stores unlimited data according to a
control operation by the first controller 160. The first storage unit 150
is configured as a nonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory and a hard
disk drive. The first storage unit 150 is accessed by the first
controller 160, and the data stored in the first storage unit 150 may be
read/recorded/revised/deleted/updated by the first controller 160.

[0072] The first storage unit 150 may store, for example, an operating
system which runs the display apparatus 100 and various applications,
image data and optional data which are executable in the operating
system.

[0073] The first controller 160 performs control operations of various
components of the display apparatus 100. For example, the first
controller 160 conducts an image processing process of the first image
processing unit 120, transmission and reception of
signals/information/data through the first connection unit 110, and a
control operation in response to a command from the user input unit 140,
thereby controlling general operations of the display apparatus 100.

[0074] The display apparatus 100 having the foregoing configuration
requires upgrading over time due to various factors, including technology
development. Upgrading is necessary in various cases, for example, to
receive an image signal in a new format which was not available or was
not recommended when the display apparatus 100 was first manufactured, in
order to receive an image signal with a higher level than supported
solely by the display apparatus 100 with a trend towards a demand for
high-quality images, or to reduce system load of the display apparatus
100.

[0075] Upgrading the display apparatus 100 may be carried out in terms of
hardware and software. In the exemplary embodiment, the upgrade apparatus
200 provided to upgrade the display apparatus 100 is connected to the
first connection unit 110, thereby upgrading at least one of the existing
hardware and software configurations of the display apparatus 100.

[0076] The upgrade apparatus 200 includes hardware/software configurations
which correspond to at least part of the hardware/software resources of
the display apparatus 100. These hardware/software configurations of the
upgrade apparatus 200 are provided to perform improved functions than at
least part of the resources of the display apparatus 100. When the
upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the display apparatus 100, the
hardware/software configurations of the upgrade apparatus 200 replace at
least part of the existing resources of the display apparatus 100,
thereby ultimately improving quality of an image displayed on the display
apparatus 100.

[0077] Hereinafter, the configuration of the upgrade apparatus 200 will be
described.

[0078] The upgrade apparatus 200 includes a second connection unit 210
connected to the first connection unit 110 of the display apparatus 100,
a second image processing unit 220 capable of performing processes which
correspond to at least part of the image processing processes of the
first image processing unit 120; a second storage unit 250 which stores
unlimited data/information, and a second controller 260 controlling
general operations of the upgrade apparatus 200.

[0079] The second connection unit 210 is connected to the first connection
unit 110, thereby enabling communication between the upgrade apparatus
200 and the display apparatus 100. The second connection unit 210 may be
provided according to a standard which corresponds to the first
connection unit 110, so as to connect to the first connection unit 110
and be connected to at least one of the connection terminals (not shown)
of the first connection unit 110.

[0080] For example, the second connection unit 210 may be connected to an
HDMI terminal (not shown) for transmission and reception of image signals
between the display apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus 200 or be
connected to a USB terminal (not shown) for transmission and reception of
data and power. However, the first connection unit 110 and the second
connection unit 210 may be connected in various modes, without being
limited to the above examples.

[0081] The second image processing unit 220 may perform a second process
which corresponds to a first process, which is part of the processes
performed by the first image processing unit 120 of the display apparatus
100. The terms "first process" and "second process" are named only for
convenience in order to distinguish processes from each other and such
processes may be carried out as a single unit process or as a plurality
of unit processes. The second process is functionally improved as
compared with the first process and is achieved by upgrading hardware,
such as a chip set, or software, such as algorithms/executable
codes/programs.

[0082] The second image processing unit 220 performs the second process,
instead of the first process, according to a control operation by the
first controller 160 or by the second controller 260 when the display
apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus 200 are connected. In this
manner, the second process, which is functionally improved compared to
the first process, is implemented instead of the first process, thereby
enhancing the image processing process overall, which will be described.

[0083] The second storage unit 250 stores unlimited data. The second
storage unit 250 is configured as a nonvolatile memory, such as a flash
memory and a hard disk drive. The second storage unit 250 is accessed by
the first controller 160 or by the second controller 260, and the data
stored in the second storage unit 250 is
read/recorded/revised/deleted/updated by these controllers 160 or 260.
The first storage unit 150 may also be accessed by not only the first
controller 160 but also by the second controller 260, depending on a
configuration thereof.

[0084] The second controller 260 controls connection between the display
apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus 200 for performing a general
image processing process. The second controller 260 and the first
controller 160 may be configured as a CPU. Thus, in response to the
second controller 260 performing an improved function compared to the
first controller 160, the second controller 260 may disable or inactivate
the first controller 160 and control general operations of the display
system 1 in place of the first controller 160. Alternatively, the second
controller 260 may control the general operations of the display system 1
together with the first controller 160.

[0085] Hereinafter, a case where the display apparatus 100 is upgraded by
the upgrade apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the upgrade apparatus 200
which upgrades an image processing process of the display apparatus 100
in the display system 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, when receiving a signal, e.g., a broadcast
signal, from the image source 300 (411), the display apparatus 100
processes the signal according to a preset sequence of image processing
processes 412, 413 and 414. It should be noted that FIG. 3 illustrates
only some image processing processes 412, 413 and 414 for concise
description of the exemplary embodiment, not showing all image processing
processes actually capable of being implemented by the display apparatus
100.

[0087] The display apparatus 100 performs demultiplexing to separate the
received broadcast signal into an image signal, an audio signal, and
optional data (412). The display apparatus 100 processes the respective
demultiplexed signals, for example, decodes the image signal into a
preset image format (413). The display apparatus 100 scales the decoded
image signal to predetermined resolution so as to be displayed as an
image on the display unit 130 (414) and displays an image based on the
scaled image signal (415).

[0088] Among these processes, the upgrade apparatus 200 is provided to
perform a process 423 which corresponds to the decoding process of the
display apparatus 100. The decoding process 423 performed by the upgrade
apparatus 200 is the same in terms of action as the decoding process
performed by the display apparatus 100, but is functionally improved as
compared with the decoding process 413 of the display apparatus 100.
Thus, performing the decoding process 423 instead of the decoding process
413 improves the image processing process.

[0089] For example, the decoding process 423 can handle an image signal
with high resolution or an image signal in a format which cannot be
handled with the decoding process 413, or apply an additional effect to
an image signal, which is not implementable with the decoding process
413.

[0090] Accordingly, in the sequence of the image processing processes
according to an exemplary embodiment, the decoding process 423 of the
upgrade apparatus 200 is carried out after demultiplexing 412, instead of
the decoding process 413 of the display apparatus 100, according to
control by the first controller 160 or the second controller 260. After
the decoding process 423 of the upgrade apparatus 200, scaling (414) is
carried out.

[0091] According to this sequence, transmission/reception of image signals
and control signals is carried out between the display apparatus 100 and
the upgrade apparatus 200, which is implemented according to a control
operation by the first controller 160 or the second controller 260.

[0092] Unlike in FIG. 3 where part of the image processing processes is
replaced, the second image processing unit 220 of the upgrade apparatus
200 may replace the first image processing unit 120 of the display
apparatus 100, which will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4
is a block diagram illustrating a process of transmitting a received
image signal to the first connection unit 110 in the display system 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 4, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is not connected
to the display apparatus 100, an image signal is received by the first
connection unit (431) and then transmitted to the first image processing
unit (432). The first image processing unit 120 processes the image
signal and outputs the processed signal to the display unit (433), and
accordingly, the display unit 130 displays an image based on the image
signal processed by the first image processing unit 120.

[0094] Meanwhile, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the
display apparatus 100, an image signal is received by the first
connection unit (431) and then transmitted to the second image processing
unit 220, not to the first image processing unit (434). The second image
processing unit 220 performs an image processing process on the image
signal instead of the first image processing unit 120, and the image
signal processed by the second image processing unit 220 is transmitted
(435) back to the display apparatus 100.

[0095] The image signal is transmitted to the display unit 130, bypassing
the first image processing unit (436), and accordingly, the display unit
130 displays an image based on the image signal processed by the second
image processing unit 220. Alternatively, although the image signal is
transmitted to the first image processing unit 120 from the first
connection unit 110, the first image processing unit 120 does not process
the image signal but transmits the image signal to the display unit 130.

[0096] Meanwhile, when the display apparatus 100 and the upgrade apparatus
200 are connected, the second controller 260 may disable the first
controller 160 and control the first image processing unit 120 and the
second image processing unit 220. Alternatively, when the operating
system stored in the second storage unit 250 is a upgraded version
compared to the operating system stored in the first storage unit 150,
the operating system of the first storage unit 150 may be updated to the
operating system of the second storage unit in order to 250 to run the
updated operating system, or the operating system of the second storage
unit 250 may be run instead of the operating system of the first storage
unit 150.

[0097] With this configuration, the upgrade apparatus 200 according to an
exemplary embodiment may upgrade the display apparatus 100.

[0098] In the sequence of the image processing processes, e.g., decoding
an image signal/image data into a preset image format; scaling the
decoded image signal to a predetermined resolution to be displayed as an
image on the display unit 130, and outputting the scaled image signal to
the display unit 130, the first controller 160 may adjust the image
quality with respect to the scaled image signal.

[0099] Adjusting the quality of the image displayed on the display unit
130 may be performed by image quality adjustment software stored in the
first storage unit 150 or stored in the second storage unit 250. The
image quality adjustment software displays a menu image on the display
unit 130 in an OSD mode, the menu image being provided for a user to
optimally adjust the quality of a displayed image.

[0100] In this case, it may be difficult for the user to adjust the
quality of the image using the menu image. When the display unit 130 is
configured as an LCD panel, it may be even harder for the user to adjust
the quality in order to compensate for or correct image quality
deterioration resulting from a decrease in efficiency of a light source
or a backlight over operating time of the panel.

[0101] Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, to compensate for deterioration
in image quality that occurs with the passing of operating time of the
display unit 130, i.e., by temporal change of the panel, a set value of
each item of the menu image for image quality adjustment is changed and
displayed while updating the image quality adjustment software, based on
usage time of the display unit 130.

[0102]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating image
quality adjustment software of the display apparatus 100, according to an
exemplary embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, when updating the quality of an image,
adjustment software is started (S200), operating time information/data on
the display unit 130 stored in the first storage unit 150 is read (S210).
The operating time information on the display unit 130 may be obtained by
the first controller 160 which measures operating time for which the
display unit 130 operates and the operating time information is stored in
the first storage unit 150.

[0104] After reading the operating time information on the display unit
130, set values of image quality adjustment items of the menu image for
image quality adjustment may be manually changed by the user through a
setting window, or may collectively be automatically changed by a
software update. The set values of the menu items are changed in
accordance with a predetermined standard or a standard intuitionally set
by a set values setter (S220). Here, the set values items include at
least one of brightness, noise, sharpness, a gray scale of a low
grayscale area, contrast, color, gamma, and white color temperature.

[0105] The predetermined standard may be defined as follows. The operating
time information on the display unit 130 represents time use of the
panel. With passing of the panel use time, a decrease in brightness is
basically the most remarkable result. Regarding such decrease in
brightness, statistical data regarding some extent of a decrease in
brightness may be collected through investigation of a plurality of
samples. For example, when the brightness decreases in a plurality of
panels having an operating time of 10,000 hours are in a range of 5 to
10%, the brightness increases by an intermediate value of 7.5%, thereby
addressing the brightness decrease. When brightness is raised by 7.5%,
optimal correction values of other factors, i.e., noise, sharpness, a
gray scale of a low grayscale area, contrast, color, gamma, and white
color temperature, may be determined based on a table (not shown) or may
be empirically or experimentally obtained.

[0106] When the set values of the respective items are changed, rebooting
or restarting is carried out to apply the changes to the display
apparatus (S230). When the display apparatus 100 is rebooted, a
comparison image is displayed for comparison of image qualities before
and after the change in the set values (S240), enabling a user to
determine whether to select an image with adjusted quality through the
comparison image (S250).

[0107] When image quality after the change of the set values is selected,
an image with adjusted quality is displayed (S260). When the image
quality after the change is not selected, the user may determine whether
to select the image quality before the change or to change the set values
again (S270). That is, when the user selects to terminate a setting, an
image with the image quality before the change is displayed. If the user
selects to change the set values again, a setting window for setting the
set values of the items of the menu image for image quality adjustment is
displayed again in order to repeat a process of changing the set values.

[0108] In this manner, the image quality adjustment software, in
consideration of the temporal change of the display unit 130, may result
in an image with optimal display quality.

[0109] Hereinafter, a process of the upgrade apparatus 200 which upgrades
the display apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of using the upgrade
apparatus to upgrade the display apparatus.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, when the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to
the display apparatus 100 (S300), the second controller 260 of the
upgrade apparatus 200 requests operating time information from the
display unit 130 of the display apparatus 100 through the first
connection unit 110 and the second connection unit 210. The first
controller 160 of the display apparatus 100 provides to the upgrade
apparatus 200 the operating time information on the display unit 130
which is stored in the first storage unit 150.

[0111] When receiving the operating time information on the display unit
130 (S310), the upgrade apparatus 200 may change a set value of an item
of an image quality menu for manual image quality adjustment through a
setting window or may be collectively automatically changed through a
software update. The set value of the item of the image quality menu is
changed based on a predetermined standard or by a standard intuitionally
set by a set value setter (S320). Each item and the setting standard have
been described above with reference to FIG. 5, and thus descriptions
thereof are omitted herein.

[0112] When the set value of the item of the image quality menu is
changed, the changed set value is stored in the second storage unit 250
of the upgrade apparatus 200 (S330). The set value may also be stored in
the first storage unit 150 of the display apparatus 100.

[0113] To apply the changed set value to the display apparatus 100,
rebooting is carried out (S340). After the display apparatus 100 is
rebooted, a comparison is made to compare image qualities before and
after the change (S350), and a user determines whether to select an image
with the adjusted quality (S360).

[0114] When the image quality is selected after the change, an image with
the adjusted quality is displayed (S370). When the image quality after
the change is not selected, a determination is made as to whether to
select the image quality before the change or to change the set value
again (S380). That is, in response to a termination of setting is
selected, an image with the image quality before the change is displayed
(S390). In response to the set value being changed again, the value of
each item of the menu image for the image quality adjustment is displayed
for setting, thereby changing the set value again.

[0115] In this manner, when the display apparatus 100 is upgraded through
the upgrade apparatus 200, a temporal change of the display unit 130 of
the display apparatus which was previously used is reflected, thereby
resulting in improved image quality.

[0116] The ideas and concepts described above may be applied to a display
apparatus having a different configuration from the foregoing display
apparatus. FIG. 7 is a display apparatus according to a second exemplary
embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 7, the display apparatus according to an exemplary
embodiment includes a display module 510 which includes a display unit
(not shown); a signal processing module 520 installed separately from the
display module 510 and which processes an image signal to be displayed on
the display unit, and a connection unit 530 which connects the signal
processing module 520 and the display module 510 to enable signal
transmission and reception between the signal processing module 520 and
the display module 510.

[0118] The display module 510 includes the display unit displaying an
image and a speaker (not shown) which outputs a sound and outputs an
image and a sound based on a signal output from the signal processing
module 520.

[0119] The signal processing module 520 is connected to the display module
510 and processes image and audio signals input from the outside
according to preset image processing processes. The image processing
processes may be the same as described above in the first embodiment, and
thus descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0120] The connection unit 530 is a communication cable which transmits to
the display module 510 an image/audio signal processed by the signal
processing module 520, and is detachable from the signal processing
module 520 and/or the display module 510.

[0121] In the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the
display module 510 which displays an image and the signal processing
module 520 which processes an image signal are separated as independent
components. Thus, in the display apparatus, when the display module 510
is replaced by a display module having a panel with a larger effective
screen or a full high-resolution panel, the same signal processing module
520 may be used. Alternatively, the same display module 510 may be used
and the signal processing module 520 may be upgraded or replaced by a new
one.

[0122] The signal processing module 520 may include a connector/terminal
for physical/electrical connection to the outside. Further, the signal
processing module 520 may be wirelessly connected to the display module
510.

[0123] Hereinafter, configurations of the display module 510 and the
signal processing module 520 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configurations of the display module
510 and the signal processing module 520.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 8, the display module 510 includes a first signal
connection unit 511 to which the signal processing module 520 is
connected, a display panel 513 which displays an image, a speaker 515
which outputs a sound, a first storage unit 517, and a first controller
519.

[0125] The first signal connection unit 511 may receive signals/data in
accordance with HDMI, USB, or component standards and includes at least
one of a plurality of connection terminals (not shown) which correspond
to respective standards, e.g., a USB terminal, an HDMI terminal, an LAN
terminal, an SCART terminal, an RS232 terminal, an OPTICAL terminal, and
an RF reception unit.

[0126] The display panel 513 displays an image based on an image signal
output from the signal processing module 520. The display panel 513 may
be configured in various display types using liquid crystals, plasma,
light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, a surface
conduction electron emitter, a carbon nano-tube, nano-crystals, or the
like, without being limited thereto.

[0127] The display panel 513 may further include an additional element
depending on a selected display mode. For example, in a display mode
using liquid crystals, the display panel 513 may include a backlight unit
(not shown) which provides light to the panel and a panel drive board
(not shown) which drives the panel.

[0128] The speaker 515 outputs a sound based on an audio signal processed
by the signal processing module 520.

[0129] The first storage unit 517 may back up various data of the signal
processing module 520 before the signal processing module 520 is
replaced. The first controller 519 controls transmission and reception of
signals/information/data through the first signal connection unit 511 and
through a second signal connection unit 523; access to the first storage
unit 517 to read/record/revise/delete/update data, and connection between
the display module 510 and the signal processing module 520.

[0130] Hereinafter, the configuration of the signal processing module 520
will be described.

[0131] The signal processing module 520 includes a signal input unit 521
which inputs an image signal to be processed by a signal processing unit
525; the second signal connection unit 523 which is connected to the
display module 510; the signal processing unit 525 which processes a
signal input from an image source 501; a second storage unit 527 which
stores unlimited data/information, and a second controller 529 which
controls general operations of the signal processing module 520.

[0132] The second signal connection unit 523 is connected to the first
signal connection unit 511, thereby enabling communication between the
signal processing module 520 and the display module 510. The second
signal connection unit 523 is provided according to a standard which
corresponds to the first signal connection unit 511 to be connected to
the first signal connection unit 511 and is connected to at least one of
the plurality of connection terminals of the first signal connection unit
511.

[0133] The signal processing unit 525 may perform various preset signal
processing processes on an image signal received from the signal input
unit 521. The signal processing unit 525 outputs the processed image
signal to the display panel 513 through the first signal connection unit
511 and the second signal connection unit 523, so that an image based on
the image signal is displayed on the display panel 513.

[0134] The second storage unit 527 stores unlimited data. The second
storage unit 527 is configured as a nonvolatile memory, such as a flash
memory and/or a hard disk drive. The second storage unit 527 is accessed
by the second controller 529, and the data stored in the second storage
unit 527 may be read/recorded/revised/deleted/updated by the second
controller 529.

[0135] The second controller 529 may be configured as a CPU and performs
control operations on various components of the signal processing module
520. For example, the second controller 529 controls a signal processing
process through the signal processing unit 525; transmission and
reception of signals/information/data through the first signal connection
unit 511 and the second signal connection unit 523; access to the second
storage unit 527 to read/record/revise/delete/update data, and connection
between the display module 510 and the signal processing module 520.

[0136]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of upgrading or
replacing the signal processing module 520 of the display apparatus of
FIG. 8.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 9, operating time data on the display panel 513
stored in the signal processing module 520 is backed up before upgrading
or replacement the signal processing module 520 (S400). Here, a backup
may be stored in the display module 510; a separate external storage
device, or a storage means, such as a server using a communication tool.

[0138] When a new signal processing module 520 is connected to the display
module 510 (S410) as a substitute module, the signal processing module
520 reads the backed up operating time data on the display panel 513
(S420).

[0139] When the operating time data on the display panel 513 is found
(S420), a value of an item of an image quality menu for image quality
adjustment is manually changed through a setting window or may be
collectively changed in an automatic fashion by overwriting. The set
value of the item of the image quality menu is changed based on a
predetermined standard or a standard intuitionally set by a value setting
setter (S430).

[0140] When the set value of the item of the image quality menu is
changed, the changed set value is stored in the signal processing module
520 (S440).

[0141] To apply the changed set value to the display apparatus, rebooting
is carried out (S450). After the display apparatus is rebooted, a
comparison is carried out between image qualities before and after the
change of the set value (S460), and a determination is made as to whether
to substitute an image with an image having adjusted quality (S470).
After the image quality change is selected, an image with an adjusted
quality is displayed (S480). When the image quality is not selected after
the change, a determination is made as to whether to select to image
quality before the change or to change the set value again (S490). That
is, in response to a termination of setting being selected, an image with
the image quality before the change is displayed (S500). In response to
the set value being changed again, the setting window is displayed again
in order to change the value of the item of the image quality menu for
which the image quality adjustment is displayed for setting, thereby
changing the set value again.

[0142] In this manner, when the signal processing module 520 of the
display apparatus is upgraded or replaced, a temporal change of the
display panel 513 of the display apparatus previously used is reflected,
thereby resulting in improved image quality.

[0143] Hereinafter, a third exemplary embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a display
apparatus 600 according to the third exemplary embodiment.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 10, as an upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to
the display apparatus 600, the display apparatus 600 according to an
exemplary embodiment is upgraded by the upgrade apparatus 200 and an
image signal received from an image source 300 using an upgraded image
processing process is processed.

[0145] The display apparatus 600 includes a first connection unit 610, a
first image processing unit 620, a display unit 630, a user input unit
640, a first storage unit 650, and a first controller 660. These
components of the display apparatus 600 and the upgrade apparatus 200 are
substantially the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 2,
and thus descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0146] The display apparatus 600 according to an exemplary embodiment
includes a camera 670 which captures environments or surroundings of the
display apparatus 600 as images.

[0147] The camera 670 captures a moving image/still image, and an image
captured by the camera 670 is used variously, e.g., being displayed on
the display unit 630; stored in the first storage unit 650, or
transmitted to the outside through the first connection unit 610. For
example, a user's face captured by the camera 670 is recognized and used
to automatically set up a user's favorite channel.

[0148] The camera 670 may capture the surroundings including a user, i.e.,
viewing environments. The image captured by the camera 670 is transmitted
to the upgrade apparatus 200, and the upgrade apparatus 200 analyzes the
captured image of the surroundings. The display apparatus 600 may adjust
the image processing process to optimize the viewing environments, i.e.,
the display apparatus may perform image quality adjustment of the
displayed image, based on information obtained through analysis by the
upgrade apparatus 200.

[0149] The first controller 660 may control the camera 670 in order to
capture an image based on a selection of the user input through the user
input unit 640. The captured image is an image obtained by capturing a
user watching an image displayed on the display apparatus 600 as well as
surroundings of the display apparatus 600 including the user. The first
controller 660 transmits the captured image to the upgrade apparatus 200
connected through the first connection unit 610.

[0150] The first controller 660 may also receive analysis information on
the surroundings through the first connection unit 610, the analysis
information being obtained by the upgrade apparatus 200 processing and
analyzing the captured image from the display apparatus 600. For example,
the first controller 660 may receive information on a RGB ratio, a
histogram, or brightness of the image capturing the surroundings,
including the user.

[0151] The first controller 660 may adjust image quality, such as
brightness, light and shade, color density, definition, or color level,
based on the analysis information on the image capturing the surroundings
of the display apparatus 600. For example, when ambient light around the
user is considered relatively bright, the first controller 660 controls
an increase in the brightness of an image displayed on the display unit
630. To the contrary, when ambient light around the user is considered
relatively dark, the first controller 660 controls a decrease in
brightness of an image displayed on the display unit 630. The first
controller 660 may store the analysis information in the first storage
unit 650.

[0152] Hereinafter, a control method of the display apparatus 600
according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the method of controlling
the display apparatus 600.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 11, the display apparatus 600 identifies whether
the upgrade apparatus 200 is connected to the display apparatus 600
(S500). When the upgrade apparatus 200 is identified as being connected
to the display apparatus 600, the display apparatus 600 transmits an
image captured by the camera 670 to the upgrade apparatus 200 (S510).

[0154] The display apparatus 600 receives analysis information on the
captured image from the upgrade apparatus 200 (S520). The display
apparatus 600 performs image quality adjustment on the image based on the
analysis information regarding surroundings of the display apparatus 600
(S530).

[0155] Hereinafter, a method of controlling the upgrade apparatus 200
according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the method of controlling
the upgrade apparatus 200.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 12, the upgrade apparatus 200 receives an image
captured by the camera 670 which corresponds to a control operation by
the display apparatus 600 (S600).

[0157] The upgrade apparatus 200 processes the received image according to
a preset process (S610). The upgrade apparatus 200 analyzes surroundings
of the display apparatus 600 based on the processed image and transmits
analysis information to the display apparatus 600 (S620). Here, the
analysis information may include at least one of a RGB ratio, a
histogram, or brightness of the captured image.

[0158] Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be
made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles
and spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the
appended claims and their equivalents.

Patent applications by Hong-Ju Na, Suwon-Si KR

Patent applications by Kil-Soo Park, Suwon-Si KR

Patent applications by SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

Patent applications in class BASIC RECEIVER WITH ADDITIONAL FUNCTION

Patent applications in all subclasses BASIC RECEIVER WITH ADDITIONAL FUNCTION